J.Crew Review: Encore Trench

Encore trench
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Item 47739
Regular: $398.00
Now: $239.99

J.Crew describes this piece as follows:

The sartorial love child of an undercover agent and a prima ballerina, this classic trench transforms in an instant, thanks to a dramatic tulle crinoline that attaches to the inside waist of the jacket (so brilliant). Cotton. Notch collar. Long sleeves. Self belt. Welt pockets. Button-tabs at cuffs. Back vent with button-tab. Fully lined. Hits at knee. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Available in select stores.

Most of us gasped when we first saw glimpses of this coat in the Fall sneak preview from awhile back. Pairing the classic styling of a trench coat with the girly flair of the full skirt... LOVES IT!

I knew I had to own this piece after Bourbon & Pearls reviewed this trench (formerly called the Ethel Trench). For reference, check out the "Fellow JCA Reviews the {beloved} Ethel Trench" post.

When I saw the Encore Trench go on sale, I knew I had to act fast. It wouldn't stick around the sale section forever. So as an early birthday gift, I ordered last week the Encore Trench. Good thing too, because it is already sold out!

Now with J.Crew's crazy sizing... I am usually a size 2 in outerwear with J.Crew. Although the past two seasons, I could go down to size 0. For this coat, I decided to stick with the same size I have for the Icon Trench (Item 11210, $298.00, now $199.99). I went with a size 2. I am glad I did, as the fit is perfect. (For reference, I'm 34B.)

The coat is longer than I realized, even on my 5'8 frame. Hits me right above the knee. I like the look and it works for me. But I am not sure if it would be considered too long for those with petite frames. It is worth trying on beforehand (if possible).

The interesting thing about this coat is that there are two belt loops in the back only. It could use another two towards the front of the jacket.

Also, if you were to leave the coat open, it looks okay. Why? Because the tulle totally shows. At least it can be easily removed via buttons along the top. (Of course, the fear is removing the tulle and putting it in storage. Then forgetting wear I put the tulle altogether.)

The full skirt of the coat is really quite stunning. It definitely dresses up any outfit in an instant. Because it is so full, I think it works best with skinny pants. (Although, I haven't tried the coat on with a trouser leg yet.)

I also found the "burnished khaki" quite lovely for Fall. A classic shade of khaki too. It's shade is darker than the "light khaki" of the Icon Trench.

Overall, I really like this coat. Definitely worth the sale price plus the additional 25-30% off (from the promotions of this week and last week).

For another perspective on sizing for this coat, J.CrewJD (in this post) shared her valuable insight:

... I think the consensus is you can either stick with your normal size or go one size up.

I went one size up, the same size I have in the icon trench. But I am kinda busty, and will want to wear layers underneath, and just found the one size up much more comfortable. If this helps, I have a 6 in the wool cashmere plaza coat, the stadium cloth boulevard trench, and a small in my long puffer, but I have an 8 in my lady day coat, icon trench, and encore trench. But I know of another JCA who got her normal size, and lives in a warm climate. I hope that's helpful!

What are your thoughts on the Encore Trench? Have you tried on this coat? If so, please share your review with us too! :)